Angry teammates and redemption: NFL week 10 showed kickers matter | NFL

The late, great coach Buddy Ryan once said, “Football kickers are like taxi cabs. You can always go out and hire another one.” If Ryan were alive today, he might reconsider his statement. Week 10 was dominated by kickers, showcasing a mix of horrors and heroics. Here are a few instances where kickers made a significant impact:

Denver’s Wil Lutz, known for his high success rate, missed a potential game-winning field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs, resulting in a 16-14 victory for the Chiefs.

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody had a shaky return from injury but redeemed himself with a game-winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo’s missed field goals contributed to Atlanta’s loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Lions rookie kicker Jake Bates, a former kickoff specialist, set a franchise record with a game-tying and game-winning field goal in a comeback victory against the Houston Texans.

Vikings rookie kicker John Parker Romo played a crucial role in Minnesota’s 12-7 win over Jacksonville with four successful field goal attempts.

The unpredictability of NFL kicking units was on full display in Week 10, with notable performances and surprises. The emotional ups and downs of kickers can have a significant impact on the outcome of games and seasons.

Kickers, often seen as models of steadiness, can evoke strong emotions from fans, coaches, and players. A missed field goal can have a lasting effect due to the buildup and expectations associated with it.

In the NFL, kickers play a crucial role in determining the outcome of games. Their performance, chemistry with the team, and mental fortitude all contribute to their impact on the field. The importance of kickers in today’s game cannot be understated.

MVP of the week

Kyler Murray, QB for the Arizona Cardinals, showcased maturity and skill in a dominant performance against the New York Jets, leading his team to a 31-6 victory.

Murray’s leadership and precision on the field were evident throughout the game, setting a Cardinals record with 17 straight completions and contributing both on the ground and through the air.

Video of the week

Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, showcased brilliance in a 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders. Standout plays by George Pickens and Mike Williams highlighted the Steelers’ dynamic offensive performance.

With Wilson’s leadership, the Steelers are on a winning streak, solidifying their position as a competitive force in the league.

Stat of the week

The Chicago Bears’ offense struggled, going 23 consecutive drives without a touchdown in a 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Quarterback Caleb Williams faced multiple challenges, including a weak offensive line and nine sacks.

Elsewhere around the league

Several standout performances were observed across the league, including impressive comebacks by players like Ricky Pearsall and Christian McCaffrey.

The Detroit Lions’ remarkable comeback victory, led by Jared Goff and Jake Bates, showcased resilience and determination.

Interim head coach Darren Rizzi’s unexpected success with the New Orleans Saints highlighted the unpredictability of the NFL.

Various developments, including potential international games, are under consideration by the NFL, signaling potential changes on the horizon for the league.